" The problem was made worse in the early-90s recession, in which many of the experienced employees who made the creaky system work took buyout offers."
For perspective - the 777 first flight was in 1994. Most of the 777 was designed via computer systems. The exodus in 1995 ( announced buyout with extra goodies was in March 95- most had to be out by July 1995 )- But by 97, BA was rehiring via " contractors " many of those who bailed. About 9000 bailed. Boeing had bought MDC for the defense business. The shutdown in 97 was due to multiple factors including DCAC-MRM- and Boeing wazs sued by many due to ' lack of candor ' as to what happened.
It was during that same period that The NG was undergoing major revisions in models, adding winglets, etc.